South Africans fighting for Israel in Gaza could face prosecution at home, the government warned, as President Cyril Ramaphosa once again denounced Israel’s military offensive in the Palestinian territory as “genocide”, AFP reports.

The foreign ministry said it was “gravely concerned” by reports that some South African nationals have joined the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to fight in Gaza, or are considering doing so.

“Such action can potentially contribute to the violation of international law and the commission of further international crimes, thus making them liable for prosecution in South Africa,” the ministry said.

It did not specify how many South Africans are thought to have enlisted.